Computer Specialist in Spreadsheet Level 2 study plan
Computer Specialist in Spreadsheet Level 2 · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Formulas and Functions
Build a one-page reference of operator precedence (arithmetic, comparison, concatenation, reference operators) and verify each rule with a test formula
Write 15 formulas that mix relative, absolute ($A$1), and mixed (A$1, $A1) references, then predict the result before pressing Enter
Convert 10 values between percentages, decimals, and text using arithmetic and the TEXT function
Diagnose and fix 8 broken formulas covering #DIV/0!, #VALUE!, #REF!, and circular-reference errors
Your checkpoint
A personal formula reference sheet plus a 15-row practice workbook where every formula is documented with its expected result and any error cause
Formulas and Functions
Apply SUM, AVERAGE, MIN, MAX, and COUNT to 10 ranges and state which one fits each business question
Write 12 conditional formulas using IF, nested IF, AND, OR, and IFERROR
Use SUMIF, COUNTIF, AVERAGEIF, and their multi-criteria SUMIFS/COUNTIFS variants on a 50-row sales table
Look up values with VLOOKUP, INDEX/MATCH, and XLOOKUP, and explain the failure mode of each when data moves or is unsorted
Your checkpoint
A 50-row sales dataset with a summary block that answers 10 stated business questions using only functions, no manual totals
Data Management, Sorting, and Filtering
Sort a 100-row table by two levels, then restore original order using a helper index column
Apply AutoFilter and custom filters (text contains, date between, number top 10) to isolate 5 defined record sets
Build 6 criteria ranges for Advanced Filter, including one with OR logic across columns and one with a computed criterion
Remove duplicates and use Subtotal with outline grouping to summarize a filtered list
Your checkpoint
A filtered-analysis workbook containing 5 saved filter scenarios and a subtotal summary that matches a manually verified count
Data Entry and Cell Editing & Data Management, Sorting, and Filtering
Enter and edit data using AutoFill, Flash Fill, and custom series across 30 rows
Apply data validation (list, whole number, date, custom formula) to 4 columns and test each rule with valid and invalid input
Use Text to Columns to split a combined field, then rejoin it with CONCAT or TEXTJOIN
Clean a messy 40-row import by trimming spaces, fixing case, and converting text-stored numbers
Your checkpoint
A cleaned 40-row dataset with working validation rules, plus a short log listing each cleaning step and the function used
Formatting and Page Setup
Apply number formats (currency, accounting, percentage, custom) to a sample sheet and predict display versus stored value
Configure conditional formatting with 4 rule types, including a formula-based rule
Build a print-ready sheet with margins, orientation, print area, print titles, headers/footers, and page breaks
Apply cell styles, borders, and merged-cell alternatives to produce a readable report layout
Your checkpoint
A print-ready two-page report with conditional formatting, repeating header rows, and a custom footer with page numbers, exported to PDF
Data Analysis and PivotTables
Create a PivotTable from a 200-row dataset and summarize values by two row fields and one column field
Add a calculated field and a % of total value display to the PivotTable
Group date data by month and quarter, then insert a slicer and a timeline
Build a PivotChart and refresh both after adding 10 new source rows
Your checkpoint
A PivotTable dashboard with one slicer, one timeline, a calculated field, and a PivotChart that refreshes correctly after source data changes
Charts and Graphics & Spreadsheet Fundamentals and Interface
Create column, line, pie, and bar charts from the same data and justify which chart type fits each question
Add axis titles, data labels, a secondary axis, and a trendline to a combo chart
Insert and format a shape, text box, and image, and set their positioning relative to cells
Customize the ribbon Quick Access Toolbar and demonstrate 5 keyboard shortcuts for navigation and selection
Your checkpoint
A one-page chart gallery with 4 correctly labeled charts and a written justification for each chart-type choice
Workbook and Worksheet Management & Printing, Sharing, and Collaboration
Insert, rename, move, group, and hide worksheets, and protect a sheet while leaving input cells unlocked
Consolidate data from 3 worksheets and create linked formulas across sheets
Set workbook properties, check compatibility, and export to PDF and CSV
Run a timed 40-question mixed practice set and review every missed item to its source domain
Your checkpoint
A 3-sheet linked workbook with protection and sharing settings applied, plus a scored practice log listing missed topics by domain
Milestones
Week 2: Score at least 80% on a self-made 20-question formula quiz covering references, conditionals, and lookups without notes
Week 4: Sort, filter, and clean a 100-row dataset end to end in under 25 minutes with correct results
Week 6: Build a working PivotTable with a slicer and calculated field from raw data in under 15 minutes
Week 8: Score at least 85% on the timed 40-question mixed practice set, with no domain below 70%